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Itinerary for Oct 12 — Oct 19, 2014

Description: The Holiday Inn in downtown Winnipeg is located in the heart of downtown near the University of Winnipeg and MTS Center. Close proximity to the Assiniboine River and many scenic parks. You can visit numerous Winnipeg attractions, including Assiniboine Park, take the Haunted Winnipeg Tour, catch a concert at the MTS Center and visit the Forks.

Day One: Sunday, October 12 - Arrival and Check-In/Welcome Dinner/Introductions

Afternoon: Arrivals and independent transfers to the program hotel. Check-in is 3:00 p.m.

Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Following dinner, you will meet for introductions, a review of the program and site orientation. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Description: The Holiday Inn in downtown Winnipeg is located in the heart of downtown near the University of Winnipeg and MTS Center. Close proximity to the Assiniboine River and many scenic parks. You can visit numerous Winnipeg attractions, including Assiniboine Park, take the Haunted Winnipeg Tour, catch a concert at the MTS Center and visit the Forks.

Manitoba Museum/Inuit People/Behind the Scenes at Hudson's Bay Company Gallery

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Set sail on a thrilling voyage of excitement and discovery at The Manitoba Museum. Only here can you travel through time to the roaring 20's, explore a 17th century ship, and view treasures from
around the world. The Manitoba Museum’s Award-winning Galleries tell the story of Manitoba through the ages, from the northern Arctic coast to the southern prairie grasslands. The universal interrelationship of people and
their environment comes to life in displays of artifacts and specimens, and in the dramatic walkthrough settings that seem to make time stand still.

Lunch: At the museum.

Afternoon: Join us as we take you behind the scenes of the Hudson’s Bay Company Gallery and discover the history of HBC along with the traditional lifestyles of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and their unique adaptations to the world of the commercial fur trade.

Afternoon: This interactive program, led by Museum Interpreters, will give you an understanding of the traditional lifestyles of the Inuit people. Learn about the Inuit as hunters, gatherers and fishers and their seasonal
dependency on migratory game. The artifact study and gallery tour focusing on the Arctic/Sub-Arctic gallery will demonstrate how the limited resources of fur, skin, stone and bone were integral to their way of life.

Dinner: Dinner on your own to explore local fare, or join your group leader for dinner at a local restaurant.

Description: Founded in 1976, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an independent, non-profit research and education facility located 23 km east of the town of Churchill, Manitoba. The Centre provides accommodations, meals, equipment rentals, and logistical support to scientific researchers working on a diverse range of topics of interest to northern science. In addition to research, the Centre facilitates a wide range of educational programming ranging from general interest courses for the visiting public to university credit courses for students.
The Centre is ideally situated along the Hudson Bay seacoast at the meeting of three major biomes: marine, northern boreal forest, and tundra. To the east lies Wapusk National Park which protects the inland denning area of the polar bear. Farther to the southeast lies the Hudson Bay Lowland, the largest peatland in North America. Because of this complex of biomes, one can see a tremendous diversity of plants, birds, mammals and human cultures.
Active biological research station. Polar bear resistant facility with window bars and security lighting.

Room amenities: Each room accommodates up to four guests in two bunk beds (upper and lower). Guests with mobility concerns may request a lower bunk. Rooms are gender specific. There is individual closet space, a small writing desk, bedside shelves and individual reading lamps. The dorm is often filled to capacity during the summer research season and the fall polar bear season.

Facility amenities: The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an active research facility in the heart of polar bear country. Bunk-bed dormitories with two to four guests per room, shared washrooms (separated by gender) with private showers. High-speed internet, fitness room, gift shop and library. Clean, modern facilities in a new state-of-the-art green building. Scenic views from all rooms. Second floor outdoor deck for safely watching wildlife and northern lights. Enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals with guests and visiting scientists in the on-site cafeteria.
SPECIAL MEALS NOTE: Gluten free and most other special dietary requests can be accommodated at the CNSC with advance notice.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

International Polar Bear Conservation Centre/Flight to Churchill/Introduction to Polar Bears

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Meet with a representative from the International Polar Bear Conservation Center (IPBCC) and visit the new Journey to Churchill exhibit. As the sea ice continues to diminish, scientists anticipate an increased number of polar bears in need of help. Hear about how the Centre is preparing for the challenges ahead and the unique and invaluable role it will play in establishing and coordinating polar bear rescue efforts. This role includes transitioning orphan polar bear cubs to life as animal ambassadors, actively participating in education of visitors to polar bears and polar bear conservation, and conducting research that assists in the conservation of polar bears in the wild. The IPBCC and Journey to Churchill are world class developments that will bring together researchers and the public towards the common goal of maintaining healthy Arctic ecosystems.

Lunch: Lunch en route.

Afternoon: Flight to Churchill; arrive in Churchill during the late afternoon. Check-in to the Churchill Northern Studies Centre followed by a group safety briefing and orientation.
Enjoy an interpretive walk around the property and an orientation of the building and a natural history video before dinner.

Dinner: At Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

Evening: The evening program begins at 7:30 p.m. with a welcome and an introductory lecture on "The Polar Bears of Churchill". Learn about the polar bear population in Churchill, polar marine ecology, and marine mammals. Hear about research and studies of the population of polar bears in western Hudson Bay in relation to climatic change.

Description: Founded in 1976, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an independent, non-profit research and education facility located 23 km east of the town of Churchill, Manitoba. The Centre provides accommodations, meals, equipment rentals, and logistical support to scientific researchers working on a diverse range of topics of interest to northern science. In addition to research, the Centre facilitates a wide range of educational programming ranging from general interest courses for the visiting public to university credit courses for students.
The Centre is ideally situated along the Hudson Bay seacoast at the meeting of three major biomes: marine, northern boreal forest, and tundra. To the east lies Wapusk National Park which protects the inland denning area of the polar bear. Farther to the southeast lies the Hudson Bay Lowland, the largest peatland in North America. Because of this complex of biomes, one can see a tremendous diversity of plants, birds, mammals and human cultures.
Active biological research station. Polar bear resistant facility with window bars and security lighting.

Room amenities: Each room accommodates up to four guests in two bunk beds (upper and lower). Guests with mobility concerns may request a lower bunk. Rooms are gender specific. There is individual closet space, a small writing desk, bedside shelves and individual reading lamps. The dorm is often filled to capacity during the summer research season and the fall polar bear season.

Facility amenities: The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an active research facility in the heart of polar bear country. Bunk-bed dormitories with two to four guests per room, shared washrooms (separated by gender) with private showers. High-speed internet, fitness room, gift shop and library. Clean, modern facilities in a new state-of-the-art green building. Scenic views from all rooms. Second floor outdoor deck for safely watching wildlife and northern lights. Enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals with guests and visiting scientists in the on-site cafeteria.
SPECIAL MEALS NOTE: Gluten free and most other special dietary requests can be accommodated at the CNSC with advance notice.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Note: The Tundra Buggy® trip is six hours in duration. The vehicle is pretty large, so when it is not moving there is enough space to walk around and go on the back deck to take pictures. We will have our lunch on board with hot cocoa and coffee and there are washroom facilities on board. There is a flight of wooden stairs that goes up to a landing that connects all the tundra buggies. To get on the buggy itself, there are no steps involved, as the buggies are level with the docking point.

Breakfast: At Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

Morning: Travel out onto the tundra to view polar bears from specially designed Tundra Buggies®. Travel into the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (WMA) for wildlife viewing and photography. Venturing out on a set of established trails to minimize the impact on the tundra, the Tundra Buggy® will take you into areas with a high probability of wildlife sightings. These areas are the best locations in the Churchill area to experience wildlife in their natural environment.

Lunch: Lunch onboard the Tundra Buggy.

Afternoon: Polar bear viewing continues during the afternoon. The Churchill Wildlife Management Area is the largest wildlife management area in Manitoba - almost 850,000 hectares - and is the summer resting area for the province’s yearly polar bear visitors. Polar bears aren’t the only residents of this subarctic habitat - the Churchill WMA boasts a wide variety of plant-life and wildlife all year round for visitors to see.

Description: Founded in 1976, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an independent, non-profit research and education facility located 23 km east of the town of Churchill, Manitoba. The Centre provides accommodations, meals, equipment rentals, and logistical support to scientific researchers working on a diverse range of topics of interest to northern science. In addition to research, the Centre facilitates a wide range of educational programming ranging from general interest courses for the visiting public to university credit courses for students.
The Centre is ideally situated along the Hudson Bay seacoast at the meeting of three major biomes: marine, northern boreal forest, and tundra. To the east lies Wapusk National Park which protects the inland denning area of the polar bear. Farther to the southeast lies the Hudson Bay Lowland, the largest peatland in North America. Because of this complex of biomes, one can see a tremendous diversity of plants, birds, mammals and human cultures.
Active biological research station. Polar bear resistant facility with window bars and security lighting.

Room amenities: Each room accommodates up to four guests in two bunk beds (upper and lower). Guests with mobility concerns may request a lower bunk. Rooms are gender specific. There is individual closet space, a small writing desk, bedside shelves and individual reading lamps. The dorm is often filled to capacity during the summer research season and the fall polar bear season.

Facility amenities: The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an active research facility in the heart of polar bear country. Bunk-bed dormitories with two to four guests per room, shared washrooms (separated by gender) with private showers. High-speed internet, fitness room, gift shop and library. Clean, modern facilities in a new state-of-the-art green building. Scenic views from all rooms. Second floor outdoor deck for safely watching wildlife and northern lights. Enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals with guests and visiting scientists in the on-site cafeteria.
SPECIAL MEALS NOTE: Gluten free and most other special dietary requests can be accommodated at the CNSC with advance notice.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Description: Founded in 1976, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an independent, non-profit research and education facility located 23 km east of the town of Churchill, Manitoba. The Centre provides accommodations, meals, equipment rentals, and logistical support to scientific researchers working on a diverse range of topics of interest to northern science. In addition to research, the Centre facilitates a wide range of educational programming ranging from general interest courses for the visiting public to university credit courses for students.
The Centre is ideally situated along the Hudson Bay seacoast at the meeting of three major biomes: marine, northern boreal forest, and tundra. To the east lies Wapusk National Park which protects the inland denning area of the polar bear. Farther to the southeast lies the Hudson Bay Lowland, the largest peatland in North America. Because of this complex of biomes, one can see a tremendous diversity of plants, birds, mammals and human cultures.
Active biological research station. Polar bear resistant facility with window bars and security lighting.

Room amenities: Each room accommodates up to four guests in two bunk beds (upper and lower). Guests with mobility concerns may request a lower bunk. Rooms are gender specific. There is individual closet space, a small writing desk, bedside shelves and individual reading lamps. The dorm is often filled to capacity during the summer research season and the fall polar bear season.

Facility amenities: The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an active research facility in the heart of polar bear country. Bunk-bed dormitories with two to four guests per room, shared washrooms (separated by gender) with private showers. High-speed internet, fitness room, gift shop and library. Clean, modern facilities in a new state-of-the-art green building. Scenic views from all rooms. Second floor outdoor deck for safely watching wildlife and northern lights. Enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals with guests and visiting scientists in the on-site cafeteria.
SPECIAL MEALS NOTE: Gluten free and most other special dietary requests can be accommodated at the CNSC with advance notice.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Note: The Tundra Buggy® trip is six hours in duration. The vehicle is pretty large, so when it is not moving there is enough space to walk around and go on the back deck to take pictures. We will have our lunch on board with hot cocoa and coffee and there are washroom facilities on board.
There is a flight of wooden stairs that goes up to a landing that connects all the tundra buggies. To get on the buggy itself, there are no steps involved, as the buggies are level with the docking point.

Breakfast: At Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

Morning: Another fun-filled day of polar bear viewing on the tundra. Also, look for arctic fox and other northern wildlife in their natural environment.

Lunch: Lunch on the Tundra Buggy.

Afternoon: Bear viewing and interpretation on habitats, species behavior and conservation issues continues.

Description: Founded in 1976, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an independent, non-profit research and education facility located 23 km east of the town of Churchill, Manitoba. The Centre provides accommodations, meals, equipment rentals, and logistical support to scientific researchers working on a diverse range of topics of interest to northern science. In addition to research, the Centre facilitates a wide range of educational programming ranging from general interest courses for the visiting public to university credit courses for students.
The Centre is ideally situated along the Hudson Bay seacoast at the meeting of three major biomes: marine, northern boreal forest, and tundra. To the east lies Wapusk National Park which protects the inland denning area of the polar bear. Farther to the southeast lies the Hudson Bay Lowland, the largest peatland in North America. Because of this complex of biomes, one can see a tremendous diversity of plants, birds, mammals and human cultures.
Active biological research station. Polar bear resistant facility with window bars and security lighting.

Room amenities: Each room accommodates up to four guests in two bunk beds (upper and lower). Guests with mobility concerns may request a lower bunk. Rooms are gender specific. There is individual closet space, a small writing desk, bedside shelves and individual reading lamps. The dorm is often filled to capacity during the summer research season and the fall polar bear season.

Facility amenities: The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an active research facility in the heart of polar bear country. Bunk-bed dormitories with two to four guests per room, shared washrooms (separated by gender) with private showers. High-speed internet, fitness room, gift shop and library. Clean, modern facilities in a new state-of-the-art green building. Scenic views from all rooms. Second floor outdoor deck for safely watching wildlife and northern lights. Enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals with guests and visiting scientists in the on-site cafeteria.
SPECIAL MEALS NOTE: Gluten free and most other special dietary requests can be accommodated at the CNSC with advance notice.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Seven: Saturday, October 18 - Town of Churchill/Eskimo Museum/Farewell Social

Breakfast: At Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

Morning: Travel by bus in and around the town of Churchill for an area visit. Watch out for arctic foxes and arctic hares!

Lunch: Lunch in the town of Churchill at participants' own expense. The cost is approximately $10-15.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon in Churchill, Manitoba - Polar Bear Capital of the World. Visit the Eskimo museum, home to one of the oldest and most comprehensive collection of Inuit artifacts and sculpture in Canada. The Museum is dedicated to advancing knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of Northern culture and history with an emphasis on the Canadian Inuit. Then we visit the Parks Canada Interpretive Centre, located in the Churchill Heritage Railway Station. Exhibits, information and audio-visual presentations focus on the history of the fur trade and exploration of human and natural history.

Dinner: Farewell dinner and festivities at Churchill Northern Studies Centre will feature wine and traditional food tasting including arctic char, caribou and homemade bannock served with locally made jams and jellies.

Evening: An evening presentation will discuss "Living with Polar Bears" and their challenges for the future.

Breakfast: Share a final breakfast together at Churchill Northern Studies Centre. Optional walk and video prior to departing for the airport for our flight back to Winnipeg.

Morning: Our flight back to Winnipeg leaves Churchill at 11:00 a.m. Approximate arrival time at Winnipeg International Airport is 2:00 p.m. Independent departures from Winnipeg as per individual travel plans. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please be in touch via the Road Scholar Social Network, where you can share memories, pictures and comments. Best wishes for all your journeys.

Important information about your itinerary: Please know that while we do everything we can to finalize all aspects of our programs well in advance, there are logistics that occasionally must be altered. Our website will reflect the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than eight weeks prior to the start of programs outside the U.S. and three weeks prior to the start of programs within the U.S. If you ever have questions about your program, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

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The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!